If you feel like your old possessions are taking over your home and it's time to clear out some clutter, then consider selling your items online. Auction sites, vendor marketplaces and personal websites have made it easier than ever to buy and sell practically anything. Unloading your unwanted objects, and earning some extra cash at the same time, is a simple process that takes just a little bit of preparation.

Here are five easy tips for selling your old stuff online:

1. Choose the right venue to sell your things. Valuable items that you can ship easily do best on auction sites such as eBay. You can participate in single auctions or set up your own storefront if you have many items to sell. Larger items such as furniture, fitness equipment or electronics that local people might want should be listed on Craigslist. Books, movies and music usually sell well at sites such as the Amazon Marketplace and Half.com.

2. Research the market before pricing your items. Many people shop for certain items at specific times of the year. You can take advantage of the different seasons by offering things that are in demand at a competitive price. After deciding where to list your items, do some brief searches of similar items to determine what prices you should charge. Put yourself in a potential buyer's shoes and be realistic about how much you would be willing to pay for another person's used things.

3. Prepare your things for sale by making any minor repairs or cleaning them in order to ensure that they will sell. You may be tempted just to get rid of your things as soon as possible, but taking the extra time to make sure they are in good condition will encourage more overall sales success.

4. Wherever you choose to sell your items, post descriptive ads with plenty of clear photos. Be straightforward about any major flaws in the items. Make your ads stand out by including plenty of information and posting them at a time when they are more likely to be seen. Many people choose Saturday mornings to post ads on Craigslist, for example. Finally, make it easy for the buyer to obtain the item, either by mail or in person.

5. Build a positive reputation as a trustworthy seller by delivering items on time and offering a fair return policy. Provide the site with your contact information, so that you can communicate easily with your buyers. Follow up on all sales and solicit feedback regarding your transactions. Try to work out any disputes in a cordial manner and seek assistance from a third party, if necessary.

Megan Perry is a writer who enjoys sharing her thoughts and advice with readers. For more information about selling your stuff, Nil2Million offers readers information for places to sell their old stuff online.

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